A family's new home was struck by lightning and damaged during yesterday's storm. Fire crews spent two hours tackling a blaze at the house in Southwick Road, Canvey, just after 5pm.

It is believed lightning struck a TV aerial, then used metal bed springs as a conductor.

The family are understood to have lived in the house for only a fortnight.

Neighbours told how they saw smoke coming from the roof.

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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